Bantleman went on to thank the federal government for its “steadfast commitment to seeing us home,” as well as friends, colleagues and his brother, Guy, “for the tremendous amount of time, effort and love that he poured into campaigning for my return.”

“Most of all I want to thank my wife, Tracy,” he said. “I have no doubt that without her love and commitment this day would not have been possible. Her tireless efforts with the coordination and communication between our legal team, school, embassy and family in Canada was the key to securing my freedom.”

Both men were accused of abusing three students and went through years of legal wrangling in Indonesian courts. The men were initially convicted, saw those convictions overturned, then ultimately went back to prison when Indonesia’s highest court reinstated the original decision and sentenced them to 11 years behind bars.

Bantleman’s family consistently maintained both the teacher and his co-accused were innocent and had become victims of a corrupt legal system in Indonesia.

WATCH: Head of Webber Academy reacts to news Neil Bantleman has returned to Canada after arrest in Indonesia

The Head of Webber Academy, Neil Webber, said that the school’s staff were also convinced of his innocence, and they had communicated with him while he was in Indonesia.

“He had great integrity, he was well respected as a teacher, well respected as a human being, and so there’s no doubt in our minds of his innocence,” Webber said.